Safe Sharps Disposal

Safe Sharps Disposal Information

Displaying sharps disposal containers specifically rated for sharps or other containers approved for use in your location.

Dispose of your home-generated sharps safely.

Safely disposing of home-generated sharps is important. Sharps that are not disposed of safely may cause injury. Place all sharps in a sharps disposal container immediately after they have been used. This will reduce the risk of needle sticks, cuts, and punctures associated with sharps.

Never place sharps in the trash, recycling, or green waste container. Never flush sharps down the drain or toilet. Doing so may put waste management and sewage workers, custodians, housekeepers, household members, and children at risk of being harmed.

Please separate and remove any items that are not accepted before disposing of sharps.

Use sharps disposal containers specifically rated for sharps or other containers approved for use in your location. Examples of other containers may include rigid containers made of heavy-duty plastic, sealable with a tight-fitting lid and puncture resistant. Do not use lightweight plastic, glass, cardboard, or paper containers.

Do not reuse sharps disposal containers.

Accepted Sharps

Sharps (such as hypodermic needles, pen needles, pre-loaded sharps, auto-injectors, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices used to penetrate the skin for drawing blood, or for the delivery of medications) contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared sharps containers are accepted.

Not Accepted

  • Controlled substances (such as opioids)
  • Unwanted medicine separate from sharps
  • Batteries
  • Illicit or illegal drugs
  • Biologics (such as insulin)

Disposal Options

1. Mail-Back Services

To order a mail-back package, click here https://sharpstakebackcalifornia.org/ or call (844) 4-TAKE-BACK or (844) 482-5322.

MED-Project provides prepaid, pre-addressed mail-back packages for safe sharps disposal. Order a sharps mail-back package to be shipped directly to you for free. Each package includes instructions for safe disposal.

Mail-back services are available to all California residents upon request.

USPS General Delivery is available if you do not have a permanent address (enter “GENERAL DELIVERY” as the street address, and then enter the preferred city, state, and ZIP code).

2. Household Hazardous Waste Facilities

Household hazardous waste facilities in your area may accept sharps containers from Residents.
Check your local HHW site for availability, hours, and preparation requirements before visiting.